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Snook Islands Natural Area

 
Snook Island
Snook Island
Construction
Completed Project

Project Location
In the Lagoon adjacent to the Lake Worth Municipal Golf Course and north of the Lake Worth Bridge.

The Problem
In the 1920s, dredging and filling along the edge of the Lagoon left deep holes. Over time, they accumulate sediments, become devoid of oxygen, and provide little habitat value.

Project Overview

  • Restored 100 acres of wetland habitat in the Lake Worth Lagoon.
  • Filled deep holes with 1.2 million cubic yards of sand from Peanut Island that had been previously dredged to maintain the Intracoastal Waterway and inlets.
  • Graded fill to wetland elevations, creating four islands and submerged land suitable for seagrass.
  • Eliminated erosion and created a natural shoreline along 1.2 linear miles of the Lagoon.
  • Removed exotic plant species like Australian pine, Brazilian pepper and seaside mahoe, from five acres of shoreline and restored 1.7 acres of existing mangrove fringe.
  • Planted 11 acres of mangroves and 3.8 acres of spartina (commonly known as cordgrass) along the shoreline and on the islands.
  • Stabilized mangrove planting areas with 28,000 tons of limestone boulders.
  • Created 2.2 acres of oyster reefs.
  • Restored 40 acres of shallow sub-tidal habitats to promote seagrass colonization.
  • The Snook Islands Natural Area was completed in year 2005.
  • Future plans to enhance public use of the Natural Area include:
    • demolition of the old remnant bridge at the south end of the Natural Area which will be used onsite as an artificial reef and breakwaterfeature
    • a 600 foot boardwalk and gazebo
    • a 650 foot fishing pier
    • 2 educational kiosks
    • three small day-use docks to accommodate six boats including a water taxi.
    • Partners include Palm Beach County, City of Lake Worth, Florida Inland Navigation District, and the Metropolitan Planning Organization.

Benefits

  • More seagrass beds in the Lagoon, providing a food source and nursery habitat for many species.
  • Improved habitat for birds using the open areas of shoreline and mud flats.
  • Improved habitat for fish. Anglers report catching numerous large snook and other desirable fish species around the islands.

Project Partners
Palm Beach County, City of Lake Worth,Florida Department of Environmental Protection, Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, Florida Inland Navigation District, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers

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